Dec. 9, 2012

A student prepares for finals in Strozier. / Frencesca Urcoyo/FSView

Written by

Samantha Husted

Staff Writer

Strozier during finals week is like a battlefield—or more like the aftermath of a battle. There are students lying on the ground everywhere, either hoping for a nap, or just unable to get a table. There are massive lines on both sides of Starbucks filled with tired eyes and curved shoulders. All of the desks are filled with groups of students and their printed out PowerPoint’s, flashcards and laptops. And any chance you think you have of getting onto a computer to print a document is automatically cut in half. It’s just not going to happen.

Studying at Strozier during finals week is always a struggle. It gets so loud, unless you’re in the basement, and almost always defeats the purpose of going there in the first place. It’s super crowded and kind of distracting just because of the magnitude of students surrounding you. Anytime anyone suggests to me that we go to Strozier during finals week to study I’m so skeptical. Do they know what it’s like in there during finals week? Have they seen what I’ve seen? Why would you want to subject yourself to difficult studying conditions?

My suggestion for studying at Strozier during finals week is to not study at Strozier during finals week. There are so many other places on campus that are quiet and have Internet access. For instance, there’s always the other and lesser-known, but just as nice library, Dirac. Dirac does get pretty busy during finals week but is never as packed as Strozier. It’s a lot quieter, there are less people, and the atmosphere is just different. Also there’s no Starbucks.

If Dirac is completely full, which sometimes it is, there’s also a bunch of rooms available in the Union. There’s a study area and even a computer lab. If that doesn’t work out and you live on campus, most of the dorms have special rooms or areas that are meant for studying if you have loud or obnoxious roommates. If you live off campus, most apartment complexes have areas you can go to to study as well. If those don’t work I suggest going to a friends place or just studying in your room.

But if Strozier is your only option, I have a few survival tips. First of all, bring coffee. The Starbucks line is never worth the wait unless of course you really want that Pumpkin Spice Latte. But that’s your prerogative. Personally I like to bring a big mug of my own homebrewed coffee and drink until my hands shake from caffeine overload.

Also, I would suggest going early in the morning and claiming a table, if you plan on staying there for more than a few hours. If you go anytime past 11 a.m. there’s no hope. Finally, be aggressive. If you’ve been walking around on the first floor for twenty minutes unable to get a desk literally stalk your prey. If someone looks as if they’re about to get up, hover around them until they do.

It can be difficult finding a nice place to study during finals week, especially if you live in a loud environment. But Strozier might not be the best place to go because it’s literally where everyone decides to study. Which makes sense. It’s open all night and offers coffee. But, if you really want to get some work done, there are plenty of other places on campus that are a lot quieter and just as convenient.